Cooperation between the public sector and businesses on customs procedure reform was discussed at a seminar co-organised by the Vietnam Chamber for Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the United States’ Agency for International Development (USAID) in Hanoi on October 14.

(photo: HQ Online)

The seminar aimed to engage the public sector and enterprises in the implementation of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) signed in 2013.

At the event, WTO-VCCI Centre Director Nguyen Thi Thu Trang stated that Vietnam would benefit substantially from customs procedure reforms via the implementation of free trade agreements and multilateral agreements signed with WTO member states.

She expressed her hope that the seminar would publicise the advantages of implementing the TFA and encourage businesses to get involved.

According to Nguyen Vinh Quang from USAID, customs procedure reforms are imperative to facilitating trade, developing the national economy and increasing GDP.

Public-private partnerships would be strengthened through implementing the TFA and the Government’s Resolution 19 on cutting paperwork processing times and costs to bring Vietnam’s business climate in line with that of other ASEAN countries, Quang said.

Meanwhile, a representative from the General Department of Vietnam Customs said the department would actively work with other stakeholders to implement the agreement in the most effective manner.

Source: VNA